Snowshoe

ABSTRACT

An improved snowshoe ( 49, 138, 220 ) having a binding ( 105 ) attachable to a flotation platform ( 51 ). The snowshoe ( 49, 138, 220 ) may be adjusted to accommodate to changes in snow conditions and terrain while on a snowshoe excursion. Certain embodiments permit quick removal of the binding ( 105 ) from the platform ( 51 ) for use as a detached walking crampon ( 203 ). Certain platforms ( 51 ) may be adjusted in size to present a plurality of footprint sizes to ssnow.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of the U.S.Provisional Patent Applications: Ser. No. 60/260,972, filed Jan. 10,2001, for “Detachable binding for snowshoes” and Ser. No. 60/273,411,filed Mar. 6, 2001, for “Adjustable size snowshoe”.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention pertains particularly to snowshoes. One aspect of theinvention is directed to a binding carrying a crampon portion which maybe decoupled from the snowshoe while remaining attached to footwear.Another aspect is directed to a length-adjustable snowshoe constructionto change a size of a snowshoe flotation platform.

BACKGROUND

Hiking across snow is facilitated by the use of snowshoes. Snowshoestypically include bindings structured to fasten to the lower portion offootwear, usually a hiking boot. The binding is conventionally coupledto a flotation platform of the snowshoe in a fashion which permits theheel of the boot to lift as the wearer moves with a normal stride. Thatis, the binding is mounted to pivot with respect to the platform on anaxis transverse the direction of the longitudinal axis of the platform.The toe portion of the boot is thereby permitted to drop beneath thelower surface of the snowshoe as the heel of the boot elevates. In thisrespect, snowshoe bindings differ from those used in connection withgliding sports, such as skiing and snowboarding.

Some snowshoes are constructed such that the binding pivots bydistorting a flexible component of the flotation platform. Othersnowshoes mount the binding to pivot around or with a rigid axle.Certain modem snowshoes connect the bindings to structural members ofthe snowshoe through pivot connections located at opposite sides of thehiker's foot. In any case, the boot toe digs into the snow, andcontributes to the traction and stability of the snowshoe as the hikerproceeds along either hard packed or loose snow. This mode of operationis particularly advantageous as a snowshoe hiker proceeds uphill. As anadditional assist, the toe portion of the binding may be provided withgripping fixtures so that the binding functions as a crampon device.This crampon feature enhances the ability of a snowshoe hiker to eitherascend, descend, or traverse steep terrain.

Snowshoeing excursions generally include rest stops. Prolonged stops,such as lunch breaks are more relaxing with the snowshoes removed. It isa relatively common practice for a hiker to remove his snowshoes, and touse them as a seat, thereby providing a barrier between his clothing andthe snow. Both attachment and detachment of snowshoes from a bootinvolves physical manipulations and exertions which require strength andbalance. The effort, difficulty and time required to remove and to thenreattach snowshoes in the field discourages many from doing so. Theythus either remain standing, or simply accept the awkwardness attendantto sitting or squatting in the snow with their snowshoes attached totheir feet.

It often occurs that as a hiker traverses a route, the conditions of theterrain vary between those which favor the use of snowshoes and thosewhich would be better negotiated without snowshoes. In situations inwhich snowshoes are not required to maintain flotation, or to otherwisesupport the hiker, they tend to be cumbersome. Hard packed snow or ice,for example, is traversed with less effort in boots (with snowshoesremoved), provided those boots offer sufficient traction. Unfortunately,standard hiking boots, even those designed for use in winter conditions,provide insufficient traction for the varied slippery conditionsencountered by snowshoe hikers. In steep terrain especially, snowshoesare awkward to use on hard slippery surfaces. Conventional crampons areuseful under those conditions, but snowshoe hikers rarely have themavailable. In any case, intermittently changing between snowshoes andcrampons during a hike requires considerable effort; more than a typicalhiker is generally willing to expend.

The bindings of conventional snowshoes are most often attached to theremainder of the snowshoe by lacings, rivets or other means, making themsubstantially integral components. In some instances, the bindings areconnected to structural supports associated with a flotation platform(base) through pivot supports by means of rivets, bolts or pins. Suchbindings are capable of removal for replacement or repair. This removalgenerally requires the use of tools, and is difficult to accomplishunder harsh conditions in the field. In any case, disassembly of asnowshoe in the field is normally done on an emergency basis only; itinvolves an expenditure of time and energy beyond that which isacceptable for typical recreational hiking, except to effect repairs.Moreover, snowshoe bindings have not generally been constructed forindependent use as crampons.

Crampons of various configurations are available. They generallycomprise a sole plate, usually of metal, which may be attached, usuallywith straps, to the sole of a hiking boot. Structures depending from thesole plate are configured to dig into snow and/or ice to provide stablefooting for a hiker. Mountaineering crampons are typically much morecomplex than are hiking crampons. The crampon bindings currentlyprovided with snowshoes resemble hiking crampons.

An exemplary snowshoe and binding combination is disclosed by U.S. Pat.No. 5,531,035. FIGS. 1 and 2 of the '035 patent illustrate currentlyavailable arrangements which can be modified in accordance with thisinvention. Crampon bindings for snowshoes are described by U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,253,437 and 5,918,388; U.S. DES 429,513 and PublishedInternational Patent Application WO 00/62636.

One difficulty confronting snowshoe hikers is the generally cumbersomecharacter of the snowshoes in transport and storage situations.Snowshoes are by nature somewhat bulky and ill suited for packing in cartrunks, duffel bags, back packs and the like. If removed in the field,they are awkward to carry, particularly under circumstances in which thehiker requires the use of his hands. Another difficulty involves thefixed dimensions of most current snowshoes. It is the usual practice fora snowshoe hiker to be outfitted with snowshoes having a footprintregarded as appropriate for the weight class in which the individualhiker is classified. The size and shape of the snowshoes selected by anindividual may reflect personal preferences, and may further beinfluenced by the conditions of use anticipated by that individual. Thefootprint preferred for deep fluffy snow will differ from that preferredfor shallow or slushy snow, for example. Shorter snowshoes are generallypreferred for packed snow, steep terrain and for downhill “skating.”While many hikers accumulate multiple sets of snowshoes for use underdifferent conditions, it is unusual for a hiker to carry more than onepair of snowshoes on any given excursion. There thus remains a need fora practical means whereby a hiker is enabled to adjust the footprint ofa snowshoe in response to changing conditions of use.

The '035 patent recognizes the shortcoming of the invariable flotationcharacteristics offered by snowshoes generally. That patent discloses aningenious snowshoe with variable flotation characteristics. The snowshoeof the '035 patent comprises a flotation plate and one or more extensionmembers, each of which may be detachably coupled to the plate toincrease its footprint (snow contact surface area.) While thisdevelopment is excellent in concept, it does not fully resolve theproblem. Most snowshoe structures do not utilize a flotation plate ofthe type required by the '035 patent. Moreover, in practice, theconnection system of the '035 patent is somewhat difficult to use underfield conditions. Greater adjustability would also be useful.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

This invention can be viewed as an improved snowshoe assembly, which mayinclude a detachable binding, ideally a quick-connect/quick-releasecrampon binding. It could alternatively be viewed as an improved cramponassembly, convertible to a snowshoe. It may also be viewed as a snowshoecapable of changing in size of flotation platform. According to oneaspect of invention, a snowshoe binding is pivotally connected to thestructural framework of a snowshoe by a quick-release connector system,thereby enabling selective coupling and decoupling of the binding withrespect to the flotation platform of the snowshoe. Such a binding isideally fashioned generally as a stand-alone crampon, which can be usedas such apart from the snowshoe. In practice, a snowshoe hiker needmerely attach the bindings of this invention to his hiking boots, andmay thereafter selectively attach or detach snowshoe frames to thebindings as best suits the changing terrain or in response to otherconsiderations. According to certain embodiments, a quick-releasemechanism of this invention is integral with or permanently attached toa boot. It is also within contemplation for a quick-release mechanism ofthis invention to be adapted for use with a snowboard binding; wherebyto permit a snowshoe hiker to step directly from his snowshoes to hissnowboard.

As applied to snowshoes, the bindings of this invention are ideallyconstructed to approximate the configuration of a conventional hikingcrampon. They will generally have an upper surface configured tointerface with the bottom of a hiking boot suitable for use in the snow.They will typically further carry lacings, clamps, straps or otherfixtures constructed and arranged to capture the foot portion, or thesole, of the boot or footwear. While it is within contemplation for thecrampon to comprise an integral portion of the boot, (with the bootitself constituting means for attaching the flotation components of asnowshoe to a hiker's foot), it is currently preferred for the cramponto be provided as a separate structure, which can be attached to anddetached from the boot at will. The lower surface of the binding isconfigured to bite into loose or hard packed snow or ice. Any of theconfigurations in use with conventional crampons can be applied to thebindings of this invention, although less elaborate configurations arecurrently preferred to minimize adhesion of snow to the binding.

The snowshoes of this invention can be constructed in typical fashion,with a substantially planar support base or flotation platform. Thisplatform may comprise a continuous sheet; e.g., of metal or toughplastic. Other platform constructions comprise a rigid, peripheralsupport frame, typically of wood or tubular metal, anchoring flexiblepanels, straps or strands of webbing. The webbing may be of gut,synthetic or natural fibers, metallic cable or other suitable material.The front end of the platform usually curves upward, and in someinstances, the tail end curves either upward or downward. Varioustraction-enhancing fixtures may be mounted to depend from the lowersurface of the platform. Provision typically is made at a region betweenthe longitudinal edges of the platform, normally somewhat forward ofcenter, for the binding structure. The removable binding of thisinvention is located in conventional fashion, but can be connected tothe flotation platform by means of a quick-release connection system.

The removable binding of this invention is applicable to nearly anysnowshoe construction. Quick-release fixtures can be incorporated insnowshoe structures of virtually any design to connect bindings to aflotation platform. Moreover, the flotation platform of nearly anyexisting snowshoe can be retrofitted to incorporate the quick-releasefixtures of this invention. It is also within contemplation to structureflotation platform elements for connection to conventional crampondevices.

A quick-release connection system of this invention may comprise asingle mechanism operable to connect a binding to a platform orstructure associated with a platform. According to certain preferredembodiments of this invention, inner (instep side) and outer connectionfixtures are located at opposite sides of an attached binding. Thesefixtures may provide a pivot capability, or they may secure otherstructure which provides the pivot capability for the binding. When thesnowshoe is attached to a boot, these connection fixtures are usuallyinherently positioned forward of the instep of the boot. The inner andouter fixtures may be substantially identical, but certain embodimentsutilize somewhat different structures on opposite sides of the binding.In any event, the connection fixtures of this invention typicallyinclude a first component secured to (or integral with) the flotationplatform of the snowshoe. They further include a second componentsecured to (or integral with) the binding. The first and secondcomponents are structured and arranged to permit reliable quick-releasecoupling and decoupling through simple manipulations, preferably evenunder adverse (such as freezing) weather conditions.

As used in this disclosure, the term “quick-release” is intended tocontrast the connection fixtures of this invention with mechanisms whichrequire removal of the snowshoe from a hiker's foot to effect adecoupling of the binding from the snowshoe. It is not practical, forexample, to remove the rivets, pins and bolts of the pivot connectionscurrently in use without first removing the snowshoes. Even then, thedecoupling manipulations for such pivot connections require the use oftools, and generally impose the necessity for keeping track of removedsmall parts (pins, bolts, etc.) The quick-release connection fixtures ofthis invention can sometimes be operated either to couple or decouplethe binding from a snowshoe without removal of the binding from the boot(or foot) of the hiker. Such coupling and decoupling can also bereferred to as providing “step-in” and “step-out” capability,respectively. While operation of some embodiments of this inventionmight be assisted by the use of a small tool; e.g., a screwdriver or skipole tip, such embodiments arc not currently preferred.

However, certain embodiments of quick-connect or quick-release fixtureswithin the ambit of the present invention may best be operated with thebinding being separated from footwear. Certain of such embodimentsinclude latching components (e.g. stub axles, or latch hooks) which arebiased toward a retaining or capture position with respect tocooperating connection structure. Attachment of a binding to a boot mayeven effectively prevent coupling or decoupling of certain connectionfixtures. In any case, quick-connect or quick-release fixtures accordingto the present invention will be arranged for all structure associatedwith the connection to remain attached to a binding or platform. Such anarrangement effectively precludes loss of connection hardware.

Varied connection fixture structures are operable, provided they providefor pivotal movement of a boot secured by the binding on a pivot axistransverse to an axis roughly parallel to the longitudinal axis of thebase support, or snowshoe flotation platform. This pivot axis mayintersect the longitudinal axis of the snowshoe, but is typically spacedslightly, either above or below, from a plane containing thelongitudinal axis. In most instances, when the hiker stands erect atopsnowshoes mounted to his boots, the sole of each boot restsapproximately parallel the upper surface of the base support (frame orflotation platform) of the associated snowshoe, atop a bottom (sole)plate (or similar structure) of the binding. The sole plate will usuallybe located such that its tail (or heel) end bears upon the upper surfaceof the flotation platform during the weight-bearing portion of eachstep. The presently preferred connection fixtures provide for “step-in”coupling; that is, coupling is effected by merely properly positioningthe sole plate (which may by connected to the hiker's boot); and thenmoving the plate or other structure slightly to place the plate into“captured” condition. The required movement may be in any direction, asestablished by the design details of the fixture. Decoupling may beeffected by an equally uncomplicated maneuver, usually comparable toopening a latch, thereby permitting removal of the binding plate fromits captured condition. As used in this disclosure, the term “soleplate” refers to any structure adapted to support a boot sole in abinding, including in some instances, the boot sole itself. Thatstructure is considered to be in a “captured” condition whenever thebinding is held by the fixture to establish a pivot axis, for a footwithin the binding, in relation to a snowshoe.

The flotation platform of this invention can also be length-adjustable.One such platform includes a plurality of segments, including a bindingsegment and one or more extension segments. The extension segments maybe coupled together, sometimes in various relative positions, to build asnowshoe assembly having a selected footprint. The binding segment has arelatively small footprint, and may itself function as a small snowshoe,or crampon device. It may include the entire front portion of thesnowshoe as an integral component. Preferably, however, the bindingsegment is structured to receive a detachable forward extension segment.Ideally, a short detachable front nose piece is interchangeablyconnected to either the binding segment or a forward extension segment.One or more rear extension segments may be detachably connected to thetrailing end of the binding segment. Additional rear extension segmentsmay be added as needed to the trailing end of previous extensions. Thetrailing end of such an assembled snowshoe ideally terminates in aninterchangeable tail element. The installation of extension segmentscorrespondingly establishes a desired enlarged footprint for theassembled snowshoe. Ideally, extension segments may be interchangeablyused at either the front or rear of the snowshoe assembly.

The binding segment ordinarily includes approximately parallel sidesupports. Each extension segment also carries structures which registerwith these side supports when the extension is juxtaposed with thebinding segment. The terminations of these registered elements of thebinding segment and extension segment are structured and arranged tocouple together, thereby extending the footprint of the snowshoe. Apresently preferred arrangement utilizes structural tubing for the sidesupports and extension structures. The diameters of the respectivetubing elements may be selected to accommodate a “plug in” ortelescoping connection. Latching fixtures carried by the binding segmentand the extension segment secure the connection. Additional extensionelements may be added in similar fashion.

Latching members may comprise any mechanical device capable of securingadjacent segments of the snowshoe assembly together. When segments areconnected by a concentric (telescoping) tubing construction, detents ormechanical latch mechanisms are operable. Each segment will usuallyinclude one or more transverse structural members, which provides aconvenient anchoring point for a buckle or strap. One such connectionnear the longitudinal axis of the assembly is usually sufficient tosecure concentric tubular connections at the edges of joined segments.Other suitable latching members include collet joints, threadedconnectors and friction joints.

The dimensions of the components of the snowshoes are not critical tothe applicability of the invention. Nevertheless, most currentlyavailable snowshoes are offered in a variety of sizes within a practicalrange. The snowshoes of this invention will generally fit within thatrange, no matter how many extension segments are included in theassembly. A practical embodiment of a snowshoe of this invention mayinclude a binding segment approximately seven to 10 inches wide, and ofrelatively short length, typically about 10 to about 20 inches. Whilethis invention may be accommodated to snowshoes of any desired shape,approximately parallel, straight sides are generally preferred.Extension segments are most conveniently similar in width to the bindingsegment, and may be of any desired practical length; e.g., about 2 toabout 12 inches. Terminal nose and tail segments may be contoured inconventional or exotic configurations, and are usually only as long asrequired to accommodate those configurations.

Other length-adjusting expedients are within contemplation. For example,one alternative embodiment telescopically extends concentrically loadedtubing rearwardly from the side supports of the binding segment, therebyexpanding the perimeter of the footprint. As the length of the snowshoeframe is extended, a portion of the flotation platform is moved backfrom the binding segment. A pre-folded or rolled platform element may bepositioned near the trailing end of the binding segment such that as theperimeter of the platform is enlarged, decking is inherently positionedto provide a true flotation surface for the expanded footprint. Anotheralternative connects an extension segment to the rear of the bindingsegment so that it can selectively be swung up towards a verticalorientation or down to a substantially horizontal orientation, therebyincreasing the footprint of the snowshoe.

These features, advantages, and alternative aspects of the presentinvention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from aconsideration of the following detailed description taken in combinationwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which illustrate what currently are considered to bethe best modes for carrying out the invention:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a known type of snowshoe which pivotally mountsa binding (not shown) to a transverse binding axle;

FIG. 2 is a view in cross section of the snowshoe of FIG. 1, taken alongthe reference line 2-2, as viewed in the direction of the arrows;

FIGS. 3 and 3A are plan views of axle components typical of snowshoes ofthe type illustrated by FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view in elevation, partially in section, of an axlecomponent in association with a snowshoe carrying connection fixtures ofthe invention;

FIG. 5 is a view in elevation of a simple connection fixture of theinvention;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the fixture of FIG. 5 with a “D” ring portionof a binding axle in captured condition;

FIG. 7 is a view in elevation of a fixture similar to that of FIG. 5,but including a retainer element;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6 of the fixture of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are views in elevation of fixtures similar to that ofFIG. 7, illustrating alternative bias mechanisms;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 8, illustrating an alternative buckleretainer mechanism;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view in elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a view in elevation of an alternative embodiment utilizing aspring release retainer element;

FIG. 14 illustrates the release element of FIG. 13 in open condition;

FIG. 15 illustrates the release element of FIG. 13 in closed condition,with a portion of a captured axle member shown in cross section;

FIG. 16 is a view in elevation of an alternative embodiment utilizing aturn buckle retainer element;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are plan views of the embodiment of FIG. 16 in closedand open conditions, respectively;

FIG. 19 is a view in elevation of an alternative embodiment utilizing aresilient strap as a retainer element;

FIG. 20 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment utilizing aresilient strap as a retaining element;

FIGS. 21 and 22 are cross sectional views of the embodiment of FIG. 20in open and closed conditions, respectively;

FIGS. 23 through 25 are plan, side elevation and sectional views,respectively, of a snowshoe platform and binding assembly currentlymarketed under the trademark “MSR”;

FIG. 26 is a section view in elevation of a binding base plate incaptured association with a pair of biased stub axles;

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 illustrates a portion in elevation of a base plate having anup-leg;

FIG. 29 is a sectional portion of the embodiment of FIG. 28 taken alongsection 29-29 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 30 is a view similar to FIG. 29, but also including a bindingretainer mechanism;

FIG. 31 is a view in elevation of a partial assembly including a bindingbase plate and mounting receiver in association with a fixed bindingaxle;

FIG. 32 is a plan view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 31 takenalong section 32-32 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 33 is a view in elevation of an embodiment similar to FIG. 31,taken along section 33-33 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 34 illustrates details of the capture mechanism of the embodimentof FIG. 31 in a captured position;

FIG. 35 is a view similar to FIG. 34 with the capture element rotatedapproximately 90 degrees to a release position;

FIG. 36 illustrates a base plate bend pattern;

FIG. 37 is an alternative retaining mechanism for an embodiment similarto FIG. 31;

FIG. 38 is a section view of the embodiment of FIG. 37 but with thelatch rotated to a capture position, taken along section 38-38 andlooking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 39 is a section view in elevation of a snowshoe having a fixedtransverse axle;

FIGS. 40 through 43 illustrate various latching mechanisms carried bythe binding base plate for use with assemblies of the type illustratedby FIGS. 1 and 39;

FIGS. 44 and 45 are orthogonal fragmentary views in elevation of a baseplate in association with a capture channel for receiving a snowshoeaxle;

FIGS. 46 through 50 are fragmentary views of various latching mechanismsassociable with the assembly of FIGS. 44 and 45;

FIG. 51 is a sectional view of a attach fixture in which rotation of alatch lever displaces an axle in and out of engagement with a binding;

FIG. 52 is a view of the embodiment of FIG. 51, taken through section52-52 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 53 illustrates an alternate embodiment, similar to FIG. 51, butwith a pivoting latch lever;

FIG. 54 is a view similar to FIG. 51 of a currently preferred embodimentwith a pivoting latch lever in a binding attached position;

FIG. 55 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 54 in a binding releaseposition;

FIG. 56 is a fragmentary side view of the embodiment of FIG. 54, takenthrough section 56-56 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 57 is a fragmentary bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 54, takenthrough section 57-57 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 58 is a view similar to FIG. 51 of an alternate embodiment;

FIG. 59 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 58 with the base plate anddown-leg removed;

FIG. 60 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 58, taken throughsection 60-60, and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 61 illustrates a capture socket of the embodiment of FIG. 58 in arelease position;

FIG. 62 illustrates a down-leg configured for use with the socket ofFIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is a bottom view of a crampon portion of an embodiment adaptedto couple to a fixed-axle snowshoe platform;

FIG. 64. is a side view, partially in section, of the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 63, with the near side axle guide component removedfor clarity;

FIG. 65 is a bottom view of a slide-on walking crampon embodimentassembled onto a snowshoe crampon tang;

FIG. 66 is a side view of the crampon portion and including bindingstraps of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 65;

FIG. 67 is a cross-section view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.65, taken through the section 67-67, and looking in the direction of thearrows;

FIG. 68 is an exploded plan view of a length adjustable snowshoe of thisinvention;

FIG. 69 is an assembled plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 68;

FIG. 70 is a sectional view in elevation of a portion of an alternativeconnector/joint suitable for use in this invention;

FIG. 71 is a side view in elevation of an alternative embodiment of thisinvention being assembled with two sections;

FIG. 72 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 71 with the bindingremoved;

FIG. 73 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment having foldingjoints;

FIG. 74 is a side view in elevation of an alternative folding joint inan unlocked configuration for folding;

FIG. 75 is a side view in elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 74 in alocked configuration;

FIG. 76 is a side view of an alternative embodiment with an accordionsection in a compact configuration;

FIG. 77 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 76 in an expandedconfiguration;

FIG. 78 is a side view of an alternative embodiment with a telescopingsection in a compact configuration;

FIG. 79 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 78 in an expandedconfiguration.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various elementsof the invention will be given numerical designations and in which theinvention will be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art tomake and use the invention. It is to be understood that the followingdescription is only exemplary of the principles of the presentinvention, and should not be viewed as narrowing the claims whichfollow.

FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate a common snowshoe structure 49 of the typecurrently marketed by Yukon Charlie's of Buzzards Bay, Mass. Similarstructures are marketed by others under the trademark “TUBBS.” Aflotation platform, generally 50, comprises a flexible panel or deck 51anchored to a peripheral frame 52 by a plurality of resilient deckstraps 53 and lacing 54. For purposes of this disclosure, the term“flotation platform” 50 is used broadly to include structure inherentlyassociated with, or attached to, a deck 51. The term “deck” is sometimesused interchangeably with the term “platform.”

An axle element, generally 55 (FIG. 3) or 55A (FIG. 3A) is anchored tothe frame 52 by two of the anchoring straps 53A (FIG. 2), each of whichis configured with a loop 53B beneath the platform 51. Each such loop53B engages a longitudinal member 56 of the axle 55 inside a space 53C.The axle 55 also includes a transverse shaft member 57, connected toopposing longitudinal members by forked extension members 58.

The terms “longitudinal” and “transverse,” as used in this disclosure,are intended to indicate approximate directions, taken with reference tothe direction of the longitudinal axis of a snowshoe. A “forward”direction corresponds to a vector oriented from a heel or “rear” towardthe toe of a snowshoe. The terms “lateral” and “transverse” may at timesbe used interchangeably.

The fork members 58 and longitudinal members 56 of the axle 55 form “D”ring terminations 59, 60 at opposite ends of the transverse shaft 57.The “D” rings 59, 60 are illustrated in one of any number of availableconfigurations. Prior art snowshoes, such as illustrated in FIG. 1,conventionally mount a binding (not shown) to pivot on the transverseshaft 57 of the axle 55. The mounting mechanism (not shown) ispermanent, in the sense that tools and significant effort are requiredto remove them from the axle.

FIGS. 4 through 22 illustrate various structural arrangements wherebyquick-release mechanisms or fixtures within the scope of this inventionmay be utilized to couple binding axles 55 to flotation platforms,thereby to assemble snowshoes equivalent to the type illustrated byFIG. 1. Certain embodiments of the invention therefore allow a quick-andeasy detachment of the axle/binding assembly at the axle-to-platforminterface. Many other mechanically equivalent quick-release mechanismsare within the skill of designers of latch mechanisms and snowshoes.Moreover, generally similar mechanisms can be adapted for use withbindings which do not incorporate an integral transverse shaft 57. Asillustrated by FIGS. 4 through 22, however, bindings which include anintegral binding shaft 57 are assumed, and each of the embodiments ofFIGS. 4 through 22 effects a quick-release coupling between a platformand such a shaft. Similar mechanisms are operable in snowshoesstructured with a transverse binding shaft associated with the platform,rather than with the binding (as illustrated by FIG. 1). For suchapplications, a somewhat different placement of the components of thequick-release mechanism may be required. Similar mechanisms may also beadapted for use with snowshoe structures which avoid the use of acontinuous transverse binding axle in favor of equivalent pivot axlestructures. For example, generally similar release mechanisms may beadapted to couple bindings to stub shafts carried by either theremovable binding or the platform; they may also be adapted to couplebindings to a flexible platform component other than a pivot shaft.

FIG. 4 illustrates an arrangement in which the conventional straps 53Aare replaced by straps 53D. Suitable fasteners 61 anchor quick-releasemounts 62. The axle 55 is positioned with its opposed longitudinalmembers 56 within respective channels 63 of the mounts 62, being held inplace by a retainer member 64 associated with at least one of the mounts62. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a simple version of a suitable such mount62, FIG. 6 showing a longitudinal member 56 of the axle 55 capturedwithin the channel 63 such that upward movement is restrained by theupper panel 65 of the mount 62. The axle 55 may be held in place with asingle retainer device 64 associated with one of the mounts 62. That is,end 59 may be retained with a passive fixture 62, while opposite end 60is retained by an active fixture, e.g. mount 62 and retainer 64. It iswithin contemplation that active retaining fixtures may be provided atboth ends 59, 60 of the axle, however.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a simple toggle retainer in closed condition torestrain transverse movement of the axle 55 from the channels 63. Theretainer 64 can be opened to release the longitudinal member 56 bypressing on the lever 66. While the retainer 64 may be biased towardsits closed condition; e.g., as illustrated by FIGS. 9 and 10, it willfunction adequately without biasing, provided the pivot pin 67 providessufficient frictional resistance to avoid opening during walking motion.Exit force by the axle 55 is inherently applied upon the retainer 64 ina position tending to urge the retainer into closed condition. Springbiasing may be provided in conventional fashion, as by the torsionspring 68 acting about axle 69 (FIG. 9), if desired.

The mount 62 may be fashioned of any rigid material, such as metal orplastic. It may further be lined or coated with other materials toprovide for close tolerances and/or cushioning to reduce noisegeneration, and to provide a lubricant. A Nylon (or comparable syntheticmaterial) block with a properly dimensioned channel 63 is sometimespreferred.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an alternative arrangement in which alongitudinal axle member 56 is secured within a mount 62 by means of abuckle retainer, generally 70. A buckle lever 76 is suspended from abuckle base 77 by a pair of arms 78. A closed buckle 70 may bias an axle55 into registration with a quick-release mount 62 to prevent rattlingof the axle 55 inside the mount 62.

FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 illustrate another alternative release retainermechanism, generally 71, fashioned as a spring element 72. FIG. 14 showsthe spring element 72 forced into open condition by means of force Fapplied to the lever portion 73. FIG. 15 shows the spring element 72 inits retaining condition, capturing the axle member 56. Such a retainer71 is actuated for assembly of a binding to a flotation platform simplyby sliding a foot laterally, or with the assist of pressing the lever 73in the direction indicated by arrow 79. Of course, mechanisms such asretainer mechanism 71 may also be adapted (by rotation of mountedorientation on a flotation platform) to engage a transverse portion ofretained structure, such as an axle.

As illustrated by FIGS. 16 through 18, either or both “D” ring ends 59,60 may be secured by a turn buckle 74 mounted to move between a releaseposition (FIG. 18) and a capture position (FIGS. 16 and 17). It iscurrently preferred to rely upon a simple mount 62 (e.g. FIG. 5) at oneend 60, and a turnbuckle 74 at the opposite end 59. An exemplaryturnbuckle 74 may have a shaped rib or other structure forming afingertip lever 80. Such a fingertip lever 80 functions for rotating theturnbuckle 74 and also assists as guide structure useful in locating anaxle end 59, 60.

The embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 19 through 22 relies upon aresilient strap 75 to retain a longitudinal axle member 56 within thechannel 63 of a mount 62. A hole 75A through the strap 75 is positionedover a post 76 to retain the axle member 56. A spacer 75B may be carriedby the strap 75 to add firmness to the connection. Ideally, the spacer75B is integral with the strap 75, and is fashioned of resilientmaterial. The strap 75 may alternatively be of conventional fabricwebbing, and the hole and post connection may be replaced with a buckleor other connector. Length adjustment of a strap 75 may be provided, forexample, in association with a quick-release buckle. Among suitablebuckles for this purpose are the types commonly used as the terminationfixtures of recreational straps, including those currently included incertain snowshoe bindings to clamp the binding to a boot.

Snowshoes of the type described by the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No.5,531,035, and currently marketed by Mountain Safety Research ofSeattle, Wash. under the trademark “MSR” are especially well suited forutilization of the quick-release feature of this invention. The bindings105 to hold a boot that are currently supplied with these snowshoes, asillustrated by FIGS. 23 through 25, require little modification toincorporate the quick-release feature. This type of binding 105advantageously would have minimal attach structure protrudingtransversely from the side of a wearer's foot when released from asnowshoe deck. The chance of grazing the inside ankle area withattachment or other structure while walking is therefore minimized.Certain embodiments of the invention therefore allow a quick and easydetachment of the binding assembly from the axle or pivot arrangement.Other types or configurations of bindings 105 to hold a boot areworkable. Such bindings may include simple straps, typically includingsome sort of buckle, or other adjustable retainer to fit to a variety ofboot sizes.

In the “MSR” style of snowshoe 138, the binding base plate (or soleplate) 83, typically of metal construction, is supported fromlongitudinal rails 110 by shoulder axles 112. Axles 112 are assembledthrough the down legs 114 and secured by split rings 115. Tools arevirtually required to disassemble the connection between the base plate83 and rails 110. Subsequent to disassembly, various removed small partsare subject to loss. The difficulty of disassembly of the split rings115 precludes field disassembly to use the crampon and boot attachmentas a component or subassembly separate from the entire snowshoeassembly.

FIGS. 26 through 30 depict an alternative embodiment of a bindingarrangement configured for quick-release of the crampon component fromthe complete snowshoe assembly. The illustrated sole plate 83 hasup-legs 116 structured for engagement by stub axles 117. Stub axles 117are biased into a latch position by spring element 118. A thumb lever119 is structured as a convenient aide to displace the axles 117 betweenlatch and release positions. Other structural configurations effectingcoupling/decoupling movement of the axle 117 are workable.

In certain desired embodiments, a groove area 119 is structured to guidean axle 117 into engagement with a hole 120 during assembly of base 83to a snowshoe and deck 51. An axle 117 may have a tip end 121 configured(e.g. chamfered) to facilitate a step-in engagement of the binding tosnowshoe. A base plate 83 having up-legs similar to 116 provides theadvantage of placing connection structure away from contact with theground or debris while walking and wearing the crampon assembly alone.Such a configuration reduces chance of deformation or other damage toattachment mechanism structure due to weighted contact with foreignobjects.

FIGS. 31 through 35 illustrate an embodiment of the invention having arotatable axle 123 carrying one or more cams 124 arranged selectively todisplace one or more latch elements 125. In FIGS. 32 and 33, a toe endof the snowshoe is indicated by arrow T. Rotation of the sole plate 83while walking is indicated by arrow R. A sleeve 126 is preferablyinstalled on axle 123 to prevent engagement of a latch 125 in anundesired location out of registration with a cam 124. The base plate 83has down-legs 127 with openings 128 in which are received axle 123. Alatch element 125 may be biased into a latched position by a springelement 129. A step-in binding arrangement is created by cooperatingaxle 123 and suitably arranged latch and down-leg structure at openings128. The binding is placed into a release position by rotating latchlever 130 to displace latch hook 125 from engagement with axle 123 dueto an interference between cam 124 and hook 125 (see FIG. 34 for alatched configuration and FIG. 35 for a release position). Cam 124displaces hook 125 as the axle 123 is rotated to a release position.Alternative structure to rotatable axle 123 and cam element 124,including tensionable cables and direct acting linkages (not shown), maybe deployed selectively to displace latch elements, such as a latch 125.

The lever 130 may be maintained in either a release or retainingposition by biasing the lever 130 into receipt in notches or detents 131and 132. A bias may be created during assembly of the appropriatelyconfigured axle 123 and lever 130 into a snowshoe. An alternateconfiguration is illustrated in FIG. 33, where a lever 130 is retainedin an engaged position by a molded-in, or otherwise formed, transversehook element 133.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 31 through 35, portions of thelatch mechanism are carried on the bottom of base plate 83 while awearer is walking. The attachment mechanism is therefore subject todamage from walking on debris. One embodiment of a protective structuremay be formed by a stamping process to create a mechanism guard rail134, see FIG. 36. Dashed lines indicate bend locations. The thuslyformed guard rail 134 and down-legs 127 also function as cramponelements to help provide secure footing while walking.

FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate a more rugged variation of a quick-detachbinding according to the invention. This embodiment is also capable ofstep-in assembly to a snowshoe flotation deck 51. The attachmentmechanism uses a rotatable axle similar to FIGS. 31 through 35, but hasa robust rotary latch 135 with a groove 137 in which is received a pin136 carried by down legs 127 depending from base plate 83. A pin 136 isaffixed to each of down legs 127, and combine to carry the up-load tolift a snowshoe. A design up-load should realistically accommodatelifting a snowshoe that may be stuck, e.g. under a branch, or buriedunder a snow load. As such, pins 136 should be capable of carryingperhaps 100 to 150 pounds each in a predominantly shear loading,depending on the fit into groove 137. The down-load generated by walkingis carried by the down-leg members 127 and axle 123 and also distributedthrough the flotation platform onto the snow itself, similar to theloading arrangement of the known snowshoes 138 in FIGS. 23 through 25.

Latch element 135 may be a continuous member spanning substantiallybetween left and right down legs 127. However, it is withincontemplation for a pair of latch elements 135 to be disposed spacedapart on axle 123 to reduce assembly mass. The pins 136 are protected tosome degree from damage, while walking in the crampon assembly alone, bytheir tucked away location on down legs 127. A base plate as illustratedin FIG. 36 provides additional protection for the pins 136 byincorporating additional guard rails 134. As with all embodiments of theinvention, a substantial amount of dimensional tolerance betweencomponent fit in a workable assembly is desired to provide a robust andreliable binding.

FIG. 39 illustrates a snowshoe similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 23through 25, but modified to have a solid, fixed transverse axle 57.FIGS. 40 through 43 are various embodiments adapted to interface inreleasable engagement with a snowshoe constructed according to FIG. 1 or39. FIGS. 40 and 41 depict front and side views in cross-section of alatch mechanism having a single latch 140 disposed on each side of thebase plate 83. A spring 141 may be included to bias the latch 140 intoengagement with an axle 57. Alternatively, friction about the latchpivot axle, or interference between the latch 140 and other structurecarried by base 83 may restrict movement of the latch 140.

FIGS. 42 and 43 illustrate front and side views in cross-section foranother embodiment having paired latch levers 142 and 143. Phantom lineL1 indicated the location of an axle 57 in its installed location.Levers 142 and 143 are arranged to cooperatively engage an axle 57 withsimilar to a scissors action. Again, a spring 144 may bias the levers142, 143 for automatic engagement with an axle 57. The latch levers 140,142, and 143 may be mounted inboard, as illustrated, or outboard of thedown-legs 127. It is currently preferred to configure latches 140, 142,and 143 to enable step-in engagement of a crampon subassembly with anaxle 57. It is within contemplation for alternate latching arrangements,similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 40 through 43, to be anchored to asurface of a platform 51 for attachment to a removable axle, such asaxle 55 in FIG. 3, or a straight axle, or paired stub axles. In suchcase, actuator levers may be positioned for access from above, and foractuation either by hand, or by a tool such as a ski pole tip.

FIGS. 44 through 50 illustrate additional embodiments of the inventionapplied to a snowshoe with a transverse axle 57 of the type illustratedby FIGS. 1 and 39. A binding of this invention is connected to thetransverse shaft 57 of the axle 55 by means of a quick-releasemechanism. The axle 55 may be, or remain mounted to, the platform 51 inconventional fashion. As shown by FIGS. 44 and 45, the release mechanismincludes a channel member 82 fixed to the under surface of a bindingplate 83, which supports a boot (not shown) in use. Member 82 may bearranged approximately as a “U” shape. The channel member 82 may beoriented to open either to the toe or the heel of the plate 83. Ineither case, coupling of the plate 83 to the shaft 57 is accomplished byplacing the plate 83 atop the shaft 57, and moving the platelongitudinally until the shaft is positioned within the channel asshown, for example, by FIGS. 44 and 45. The interior surface of thechannel member 82 may be lined with an optional Nylon layer 84 tofacilitate pivoting movement about the shaft 57. The channel member 82is illustrated as a single element extending approximately the fullwidth of the binding plate 83. The channel may have a length sized tomaintain an attached binding assembly centered in the desired footopening of a floatation platform 51. It is within contemplation that asubstantial portion of this member could be removed, leaving spacedapart segments near the outer edges of the plate 83. In any case,various mechanical expedients are operable to retain the shaft 57 withinthe channel 82. Representative examples of such expedients areillustrated by FIGS. 46 through 50.

FIG. 46 shows an unlined channel member 82 coupled to a binding plate83, and held in position by detent 87 secured within a housing 88A andbore 88B through the plate 83, as shown. These detents 87 are desirably“stiff” acting so that deliberate force is required to move the axle 57past them to either couple or decouple the binding plate with respect tothe shaft 57. An alternative arrangement is illustrated by FIG. 47. Aspring-biased plunger element 90 presents a cam surface 91 forward ofthe channel opening 82A, such that the shaft 57 urges the tip end 92upwardly as the shaft enters the channel 82. To decouple the plate 83from the channel 82, it is necessary merely to lift the latch handle end94 against the spring 95, and to slide the shaft past the plunger out ofthe channel. A practical positioning of release mechanisms 97 is atopposite sides of the binding plate 83.

The mechanism 97 could be structured as an assembly similar to thatillustrated by either of FIG. 46 or 47, as well as many otheralternative mechanical arrangements providing a similar latchingfunction. One such alternative arrangement is illustrated by FIGS. 48through 50. A two-position push pin 98 extends through a bore 99 in anextension 100 of the binding plate 83. The extension 100 may be integralwith or affixed to the plate 83. The distal end 98A of the pin 98registers with bores 101A and 101B in the respective opposing legs ofthe channel 82. One way an axle may be retained, subsequent to assemblywith a channel 82, is by lowering a pin 98 into the capture position asillustrated in FIG. 48. The elevation of the pin 98 can be determined bythe registration of grooves 98B or 98C with the resilient legs 103A,103B of a spring 103 mounted within either of bores 99 or 101A, as bestshown by FIGS. 49 and 50.

A quick-release fixture using a movable stub axle 105 is illustrated byFIGS. 51 and 52. Transverse positioning of the axle 145 is effected byrotation of lever actuator 146. One or more of slots 147 and 148 may bearranged as a spiral with an effectively coarse thread pitch. Rotatinglever 146 within the spiral slot therefore causes axle 145 tocorrespondingly translate in and out of engagement with down-leg 127. Itis within contemplation for such a spiral feature alternatively to beincorporated into the axle 145 itself. The moving components may beprotected within a housing 149. Slot 148 may be located in the top ofhousing 149, if such a top is present. A spiral slot may further havestructure, such as detents (not shown) to receive lever 146, arranged toresist undesired rotational displacement of the lever 146. Lever 146 mayalso, or alternatively, be biased by a spring element (also not shown).Down-leg 127 is received in guide cup 150 to facilitate connection of abase plate 83 to a floatation platform. Guide cup 150 is pivotallyattached to rail 110 by hollow barrel 152.

An alternative arrangement for displacing a stub axle 154 is illustratedin FIG. 53. Actuator lever 155 is pivotally attached at 156 to pivotstructure 157. Stub axle 154 is shown partially in section to illustratestructural details of construction. Distal end 158 is received in slot160 to induce transverse motion in axle 154 commensurate withdisplacement of lever 155. Axle 154 may be biased into a bindingattached position by a spring 161. Again, moving components may beprotected by housing 149 from damage incurred by walking on debris.

A currently preferred quick-attach fixture having a transverselyactuated stub axle 165 is illustrated in FIGS. 54 through 57. Fingeractuated lever 166 in FIG. 54 is shown partially in cross-section toillustrate a typical pinned clevice connection arrangement with axle165. Axle 165 is received in hole 167 in down-leg 127 to maintain a soleplate 83 of a footwear binding in pivoting relation with a snowshoefloatation platform 50. A slot 168 through rail 110 and deck 51 allowsrotation of the free end of lever 166.

With reference to FIGS. 54 and 55, a lever 166 can be biased to anattach position with a spring 169 and washer 170. Lever 166 is pivotallyattached to axle 165 at axle 172. The illustrated dog leg shape of lever166 therefore inherently returns to an attach position under theinfluence of spring 169. Attach fixture structure such as lever 166 mayalso be arranged to maintain the fixture in a release position, ifdesired. Certain embodiments may be constructed to maintain an attachfixture optionally between an open position, or biased to a closedposition. Of note also, in FIG. 57, the housing 149 may be sized to helpretain axle 172 through axle 165 and in engagement with lever 166. Theinterior width of the housing may be sized to prevent a pivot axle 172from sliding out of engagement between the stub axle 165 and lever 166.

Distal end 173 of axle 165 and down-leg 127 may be cooperativelystructured to provide a step-in assembly capability. Similar to cone 119in FIGS. 28 through 30, a relief shape 175 may be formed into down-leg127. Such a tapered relief shape 175 serves to transversely depress thestub axle 165 during step-in assembly of the binding plate 83 to aflotation platform. Relief shape 175 also helps guide end 173 intoengagement with hole 167 as down-leg 127 is lowered into position.Additionally, transversely arranging portions of down-leg 127 withstructure similar to that forming shape 175 increases the down-leg'sstiffness and resistance to damage from stepping on debris.

Step-in assembly of the snowshoe assembly typically means the wearerplaces the binding in close proximity to the platform and in anyalignment required by mutually connecting elements. The wearer thenmoves the binding a short distance (typically stepping downwardly) toeffect engagement of connecting structure simply by the displacement ofthe binding. In certain embodiments of the invention, step-in assemblyalso encompasses placing the binding substantially in position on aplatform, and actuating a simple mechanism to make the attachment therebetween. Exemplary such mechanisms include various latches, buckles,toggle elements, and quick-engaging straps.

A housing 149 serves to protect moving components from damage. Housing149 also provides a first bearing surface for an end of axle 165. Asecond bearing surface for axle 165 is provided by rail 110. Thesebearing surfaces are spaced apart, providing a torque to stabilize axle165. Housing 149 may be made from metal or other structural material,including various tough plastics.

As illustrated, housing 149 may be attached to a rail 110 with one ormore readily available fasteners 176. By careful placement of thefasteners 176 and shaping down-legs 127, a stop to prevent over-rotationof a baseplate 83 and deck 51 may be accomplished by creating aninterference between down-leg 127 and a fastener 176 subsequent tosufficient rotation between the platform and the interfering portion ofthe base plate. This arrangement can be advantageous when walking indeep snow or stepping over an obstacle. A tail-heavy snowshoe can rotateto point tail-down when lifted clear of the snow. If stood on in such aconfiguration, the platform will simply plunge lengthwise into the snow,like a shovel blade. One or more rotation limiting stops to prevent suchover-rotation enable the platform to be placed onto the snow surface inan orientation to effectively load its bottom surface. Of course, thebaseplate must be allowed to rotate sufficiently to accommodate walkingwithout annoyingly lifting the shoe tail at every stride.

The illustrated housing 149 in FIGS. 54 and 55 has a bottom surfacelocated opposite from slot 168. Such a bottom surface is not requiredand may be eliminated. One benefit from removing the bottom is that snowand ice may be easily scraped or otherwise removed from the internalmoving parts. Any water accumulating in the mechanism area will alsodrain better, reducing potential freezing problems.

The attachment fixture embodiment illustrated in FIG. 58 receivesdown-leg 127 in engagement within a socket 178. Socket 178 is rotatablyattached to rail 110, as by pin 179, washer 180, and split ring 181.Wall structure of socket 178 may be countersunk to receive the head 182of pin 179, or a spacer 183 may be installed to prevent interferencebetween head 182 and down-leg 127 during connection of the assembly.Guide lever 184 aides in aligning down-legs into position for receptionin socket 178. Socket 178 may be structured, with chamfers and/orenlarged openings as illustrated, further to promote entry of a down-leg127 into the socket 178.

With reference to FIGS. 59 through 61, a retaining element to captureleg 127 in an attached position within a socket 178 may be a self-biasedlatch 185. Latch 185 has a latch hook end 186 structured cooperativelyto interface with notch 187 in leg 127 (FIG. 62). Latch 185 is attachedto actuator lever 190, operable to decouple the assembly. Socket 178 ispreferably made with an open bottom 191 (FIG. 59). An open bottomedsocket 178 is self-cleaning, in that insertion of a down-leg 127 intosocket 178 drives out any snow or ice present in the socket. FIG. 60illustrates a rotation stop 193 positioned for interference with socket178 subsequent to sufficient rotation of a base plate 83 and down-leg127.

It is within contemplation for a snow boot directly to include structureof a quick-release binding according to this invention. A snowboardermay desire to use one pair of snow boots adapted to quick-connect bothto his snowshoes/walking crampons, and to his snowboard. In one example,a support block is mounted to the boot sole surface such that postsextend inwardly and outwardly, respectively. These posts engage innerand outer receptacles as previously described. The boot sole may furtherbe provided with optional crampon structures. A sole cap may connect tothe boot in position to cover the crampon structures when it is desiredto walk across hard surfaces which might be damaged by or be damaging tothese crampon structures. An intermediate crampon plate mayalternatively quick-connect between the boot and snowshoe. The cramponmay then be used as desired with the boot alone, or in combination witha snowshoe. An alternative boot embodiment can have a recessed channelin the boot sole constructed to couple with an axle of a snowshoe. Arelease may be accomplished by actuator structure as discussed above,including levers and application of tension to one or more cables. It iswithin contemplation to adapt snowboard bindings to an intermediatecrampon plate for use separately or in combination with a snowshoeplatform. An embodiment simply serving to quick-connect a snow boot to asnowshoe lacking a removable intermediate crampon is also withincontemplation.

It is further within contemplation to form a binding attach mechanismsole plate 83 having rigid upstanding ears, typically of metalconstruction, carrying short axle projections. These axles areinsertable into channels of fixtures mounted atop the flotationplatform. The axles are typically captured within the channels by apivoting toggle member or other capture mechanism. While the toggle maybe biased toward or latched into its closed position, such precautionsare not ordinarily required because of the preferred location of thepivot axis of the toggle. The channel restrains movement of the axle inall directions except in the direction of the channel opening. Movementin that direction urges the toggle to pivot closed. Release of the axlesfrom the fixtures is accomplished by rotating the toggles to their openposition.

FIGS. 63 and 64 illustrate certain details of an embodiment of aremovable binding, generally indicated at 194 and carrying a crampon,adapted to interface with a fixed axle 55 or 57 (see FIGS. 1 and 39).Guide rails 195 assist in placing an axle into engagement with a channel196 carried in cross member 197. A release trigger 198, rotatablymounted to pivot axle 198A, may be biased into an axle capture positionby a spring 199. Dogleg portion 200 of illustrated trigger 198 passesthrough crampon base plate 83 and prevents inadvertent actuation oftrigger 198 due to stepping on debris. Footwear, or the sole of a boot,interferes with displacement of the trigger 198 from a retainingposition. In an alternate embodiment, dogleg 200 may be absent tofacilitate step-in assembly of a binding assembly to a flotationplatform. In such case, a protruding lip may be formed in a member ofchannel 196 to provide a rotation stop for trigger 198. Fasteners 201may connect a boot binding strap system 105 to the baseplate 83.

It is recognized that a snowshoe crampon is not necessarily optimizedfor use separately as a walking crampon. The presence of a large andprojecting front crampon point, while beneficial for uphill tractionwhen snowshoeing, can be inconvenient for prolonged periods of walkingon more level terrain. FIGS. 65, 66, and 67 illustrate details of anembodiment, generally 202, of the invention adapted as an optimizedwalking crampon 203, structured to interface with a tang structure 204of an optimized snowshoe. As illustrated, tang structure 204 may beembodied as a rearwardly projecting portion of a snowshoe crampon baseplate, such as a modified base plate 83B. A tang may also be aprojecting portion of structure rotatably attached to a snowshoe deck51. Such alternate tang structure is not required to possess thetraction points of a snowshoe crampon. The illustrated base plate 83B inFIG. 65 is similar to the base plate used on the MSR snowshoeillustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24.

As illustrated in FIG. 66, walking crampon 203 carries boot bindingstructure 105 to hold the crampon 203 to a hiker's boot. Such bindingstructure 105 may be attached in many ways to a crampon 203, one ofwhich is illustrated as swivel structure 105A. The crampon 203 carriestraction teeth 205 which may supplement forward and rear teeth, 206 and207 respectively, of base 83B when assembled to a snowshoe.

One configuration to attach the crampon 203 to a base plate 83B isillustrated as spring lever 208 and actuator and latch structure 209.Spring lever 208 may be attached to base plate 83B by mechanicalfasteners, including screws, rivets, and bolts, or by welding, or spotwelding as indicated at 210. Tang 204 is received in a pair ofoppositely disposed channels 211 formed by overlaps 212 and 213 (FIG.67). Overlap 212 is illustrated as a continuous member from front torear of crampon 203. An overlap may also be intermittent, as illustratedby 213A-C.

It is currently preferred to manufacture a crampon 203 as sections cutfrom an extrusion of a suitable material. Aluminum and other metals arematerial suitable for such manufacturing technique. It is further withincontemplation to injection mold or extrude the crampon 203 from aplastic material, and reinforce the traction teeth 205 with a suitablematerial for increased resistance to abrasion. Teeth 205 may be arrangedintermittently, as illustrated, or may span the full length, from frontto back, of the crampon 203.

It is convenient to facilitate removal of the crampon from a snowshoe,while wearing the crampon portion 203 on a boot, to be able to togglethe latch 208 into an open position. With the latch toggled open, asnowshoer can stand up and ergonomically slide the crampon out ofengagement with the snowshoe. Such a desired latching mechanism caneasily be accomplished, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 65, bysimultaneously pressing laterally and vertically (toward a boot sole) onactuator structure 209 to move the latch 208 out of engagement with railportion 211B. Actuator latch structure 209 will then drop intoengagement with edge 214 of weight reduction cutout 215 of base plate83B, and the crampon 203 will then be released for hands-free slidingdisengagement from tang 204.

The latch mechanism may be “re-armed” for engagement with a crampon 203,by structure (not illustrated), carried by the crampon 203 and arrangedto nudge lever 208 out of engagement with edge 214 as the crampon 203 isretracted from engagement with base plate 83B. Such re-arming structuremay essentially be formed as a lever biased to a position for nudginglever 208 out of engagement with edge 214, and capable of displacing topermit assembly and disassembly of a tang 204 and a crampon 203. Thelever 208 may also be “re-armed”, or released from the toggled openposition, by hand subsequent to separation of the crampon 203 and baseplate 83B. A crampon 203 may be attached to a snowshoe by tool-freeengagement of tang 204 and crampon 203 while wearing the crampon 203 ona boot, substantially as a step-in, quick-connect operation. Othertoggling latch mechanisms are also within contemplation to afford suchquick-connect or quick-disconnect convenience. Preferred latching orretaining mechanisms will have their constituent components carried inattached combination between the binding 202 and a snowshoe. In otherwords, no bolts, pins, or axles are removed from the components of theassembly to effect the quick-connecting or decoupling operations. Theconstituent structures (e.g. male and female portions) of a latchassembly are desirably carried in combination by the two structuresbeing connected.

The coupling arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 65 and 66 effectivelyprotects the retention mechanism 208 by the flotation platform of thesnowshoe. Latch 208 sits on top of the flotation platform, which is aneffective barricade to debris on which a snowshoer may step. The walkingcrampon 203, when released from the base plate 83B, therefore carries nodelicate mechanism which can be damaged while stepping on rocks or otherdebris.

With reference to FIG. 65, a stress reducing cutout 215 may be providedin a base plate 83B to reduce bending stress applied from a crampon 203while walking. Such a configuration permits base plate 83B to form apositive stop for forward end 216 of overlap 212. Also, oralternatively, forward end 216 may be structured to overlap base plate83B additionally in a forward direction. Weight reducing holes, such ashole 217 (visible through holes 215 and 218 in base plate 83B) may beplaced in the crampon 203 to lighten the load carried by a snowshoer.

Other configurations of alternative structures adapted to couple acrampon 203 to a tang 204 are within contemplation. Nonlimiting examplesinclude providing structural changes to a crampon to eliminate thechannels 211. In such case, a capture lip of a crampon 203 may interfacewith an edge portion of hole 218 to secure a forward portion of thecrampon 203 to plate 83B. A rotating latch mechanism, or a step-inactuated mechanism, may be provided to secure a rear portion of thecrampon 203 to plate 83B. In any case, it is generally desired toprovide a crampon 203 that is at least substantially free frommechanisms which may be damaged by stepping upon debris or rocks whenused independently from a platform 51. Furthermore, a reduction incomplexity of mechanisms is desired. Additionally, it is desired toreduce areas, such as channels 211, where ice may form and inhibitsmooth operation of the connection and disconnection mechanisms.

A modified mountaineering or hiking crampon may serve as an exemplarybinding and base plate. Such a crampon may be attached to a boot withconventional straps or with a modern binding having a toe bail and heeltoggle buckle. A pivot axle may serve as the quick-connect fixture. Thepivot axle may be fashioned substantially as a large safety pin. The“pin” shaft may be fed though tubular structure welded to, or formed in,the bottom surface of the crampon, and received on opposite sides of thefoot in holes through brackets attached to the platform. The free end ofthe “pin” shaft may be secured by a U-shaped clip, or other suitableretaining structure. Certain types of plate-soled crampons mayalternatively have one or more through-holes in the plate elementthrough which the “pin” axle may be threaded. Other quick-connectstructure may also be used between a crampon and snowshoe platform.

The invention generally provides a snowshoe that is adjustable in thefield to accommodate changes in snow conditions and terrain. One aspectof the present invention encompasses connecting a binding to a snowshoewith a quick-connect fixture. In general, a binding detachably receivesfootwear, and typically provides a crampon-like traction assistingstructure. It is within contemplation that a binding may be built-in tocertain footwear. The quick-connect fixture according to this inventionmay have a first part or assembly attached somehow to some structureassociated with a snowshoe flotation platform, and a second part orassembly carried in some way by the binding. The first and second partscooperate to detachably couple the binding to the snowshoe. Thequick-connect fixture desirably is operable to attach (or detach) thebinding to the snowshoe without removing the binding from the footwearof a user. Step-in connectivity between the binding and snowshoeplatform is preferred. A desirable quick-connect fixture further isoperable without requiring the use of tools. Certain alternativeembodiments may be facilitated in operation by the employment of a toolsuch as the tip of a ski pole. A quick-connect assembly may include anycombination of active and passive fixtures.

A second aspect of the invention encompasses adjusting the size of asnowshoe's flotation platform to accommodate changes in snow conditionsand terrain. A length adjustable snowshoe assembly, generally 220,illustrated by FIGS. 68 and 69, includes a binding segment 222, whichtypically includes a binding axle 224 upon which a binding (not shown)may be pivotally mounted. A binding is generally provided to allow awearer's toe to pivot for engagement with the snow through opening 225.A binding may be installed as either a permanently or releasably mountedcomponent. In either case, the binding segment 222 may carry variousdepending structures (not shown) to improve traction and stability.Although the binding segment can be worn as a small snowshoe, it isordinarily assembled with a nose segment 226 and a tail segment 228 tocreate a small snowshoe assembly. Of course, the binding segment 222 maybe integral with a nose segment 226 in certain embodiments.

Joints between segments may include plug-fit sections, as illustrated inFIGS. 68 and 70. An optional adapter 236 may be placed between segments.As an alternative, a joint 240 may be formed by a reduction in diameterof one side of the joint to fit internal to the other side. Segments maybe maintained in assembled position by fasteners, such as quick-connectbuckles 242. A typical connector 242 has a male end 244 which plugs intofemale portion 246. A strap 248 may be included to provide a tensionadjustment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 68 and 69, intermediate segments 230 and 232 maybe located between the binding segment 222 and either or both of thenose and tail segments 226 and 228, respectively. It may be desired toform a snowshoe having a longer segment located behind the foot (asillustrated in FIG. 69), for use in ascending a steep trail in deep andunconsolidated snow. A longer front section, formed by placing one ormore intermediate segments 230 or 232, forward of segment 222, may beuseful for descending steep terrain. On flat terrain in unconsolidatedsnow, it may be beneficial to locate a segment 230 forward of segment222, and a segment such as 232 between segment 222 and segment 228 toform a more balanced snowshoe. While the footprint of the assembled shoemay be selected to fit the preferences of an individual, a typicalsmallest footprint for the illustrated assembly 220 will be about 8inches wide by about 16 inches long.

FIGS. 71 and 72 illustrate a second alternative and compact embodimentof the invention, generally indicated at 250, having an integral noseand binding segment 245, and a tail segment 228. One or moreintermediate segments 230, not illustrated, may be inserted betweensegments 245 and 228 to increase the length of the snowshoe 250.Alternative methods of attaching flotation platforms 252 are alsoillustrated.

FIG. 73 illustrates a third alternative length adjustable snowshoe,generally 255. Joints 257 are adapted to fold, allowing a change inlength of shoe 255 to accommodate different walking conditions, or forcompact storage. Deck 252 may be flexible and bend to accommodate jointrotation, or may be provided with one or more hinges. A joint 257 mayinclude a hinge axle 259 and a pin 261. Pin 261 may be retained inassembled position by a self-biased clip 263. Alternatively, pin 261 maybe carried by and biased into position by a spring clip 265. Such aspring 265 may be affixed to a snowshoe frame 267 by attachmentstructure 269. In such a configuration, small parts such as pin 261 orclip 263 are unlikely to be lost.

FIGS. 74 and 75 illustrate an alternative joint 257 suitable for use inthe embodiment of FIG. 73. Rotation axle 259 is positioned to allow 180degree rotation of the joint 257. One or more sliding locking rings 272,273 may be positioned to resist rotation of the joint 257. Asillustrated, ring 272 carries a latch hook 275 to interface with eye 277and maintain rings 272, 273 in a locking position. Joint structure 279may be forged from structure forming a snowshoe frame, or may beconnected to a frame member as illustrated by stub end 282 in FIG. 75.Structure 279 may be attached to a snowshoe frame member 284 by welding,adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or any suitable technique.

Reducing the length of the rear portion of a snowshoe is particularly ofbenefit to allow “skating” down relatively steep terrain. A too longtail section substantially aligns a flotation platform with the slopeand prevents a snowshoe from providing support in a horizontal position.Having the ability to make an adjustment in rear deck length virtually“on the fly” offers a significant improvement over current commerciallyavailable snowshoes.

FIGS. 76 and 77 illustrate a fourth alternative size adjustableembodiment of the invention, generally indicated at 286, having anaccordion-like portion at a rear location. A binding 288 may be carriedby a forward integrated binding/toe segment 290. The forward portion mayalso be adapted for changes in length in accordance with principals ofthis invention. In the illustrated embodiment 286, a deck portion 292 isadapted to extend, as indicated by arrow E1, and to contract withchanges in position of one or more extension members 294. Any number ofaccordion pleats 296 may be incorporated to provide a desired range insize of a snowshoe 286. Pleats 296 are typically attached to theextension member 294 at attach structure 298.

FIGS. 78 and 79 illustrate a fifth length adjustable embodiment of theinvention, generally indicated at 300, having a telescoping section toadjust a rear length of the 'shoe. The illustrated embodiment has afixed deck 310, and a sliding deck portion 312. As illustrated, thesliding portion 312 is adapted to slide underneath the fixed portion310. Alternative arrangements are also workable. A spring loaded latch314 is illustrated for purpose of maintaining a desired length of thesnowshoe 300. Sections 310 and 312 may be telescopically connected withtubular members, or any sliding arrangement. For example, it is withincontemplation for rail structure depending from the bottom surface ofthe 'shoe 300 to be arranged as a slide mechanism. Alternatively, or inaddition, either of portions 310 and 312 may be received in sliding andcaptured relation to the other. Such an arrangement is particularlysuitable for snowshoes 300 having flotation decks made fromsubstantially rigid materials, such as plastic.

While the invention has been described in particular with reference tocertain illustrated embodiments, such is not intended to limit the scopeof the invention. The present invention may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from its spirit or essentialcharacteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in allrespects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of theinvention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than bythe foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

1. A snowshoe comprising: a flotation platform carrying first connectionstructure; a binding comprising traction enhancing structure adapted foruse independent of said flotation platform, said binding beingattachable to footwear and further comprising second connectionstructure, said first and second connection structure cooperativelyforming a quick-connect fixture operable to couple said binding to saidplatform while said binding is attached to said footwear; wherein: whencoupled to said platform, said binding is supported for rotation about apivot axis substantially defined by rigid axle structure.
 2. A snowshoeaccording to claim 1, said quick-connect fixture being reversiblyoperable by a user to decouple said binding and said platform while saidbinding is attached to footwear of said user.
 3. A snowshoe according toclaim 1, said quick-connect fixture being structured and arranged toeffect a step-in coupling between said first and second structures.
 4. Asnowshoe according to claim 1, said first structure comprising a stubaxle arranged for engagement with structure associated with saidbinding.
 5. A snowshoe according to claim 4, said stub axle beingconfigured and arranged for transverse motion between first and secondpositions whereby to couple and decouple said binding and said platformrespectively.
 6. A snowshoe, comprising: a flotation platform having adeck portion with an opening configured to receive a binding assembly; asaid binding assembly; and quick-release connection means constructedand arranged to couple said binding with respect to said flotationplatform such that said binding assembly is positioned and enabled topivot within said opening; wherein: when coupled to said platform, saidbinding is supported for rotation about a pivot axis substantiallydefined by rigid axle structure; and constituent components of saidquick-release connection means are carried in attached combinationbetween said binding and said platform.
 7. A snowshoe according to claim6, wherein said binding assembly includes a sole plate carrying a firstcomponent of said quick-release connection means; said flotationplatform includes structure carrying a second component of saidquick-release connections means; and said first and second componentsare constructed and arranged to effect a pivoting connection of saidsole plate with respect to said deck portion when said sole plate ispositioned within said opening to bring said first and second componentsinto coupling engagement.
 8. A snowshoe according to claim 7, whereinsaid second component comprises an axle element and said first componentcomprises a mechanism structured to register with said axle element;said quick-release connection means further comprising latching meansstructured to hold said first component in registration with said secondcomponent.
 9. A snowshoe according to claim 7, wherein said firstcomponent comprises an axle element and said second component comprisesmechanism structured to register with said axle element; saidquick-release connection means further comprising latching meansstructured to hold said first component in registration with said secondcomponent.
 10. A snowshoe according to claim 7, wherein said secondcomponent comprises a tang element and said first component comprises amechanism structured to register with said tang element; saidquick-release connection means further comprising latching meansstructured to hold said first component in registration with said secondcomponent.
 11. A snowshoe comprising: a flotation platform carryingfirst connection structure; a binding comprising second connectionstructure, said first and second connection structure adaptedcooperatively to form a quick-connect fixture whereby to couple saidbinding to said platform; and retaining structure carried by oneconnection structure and being biased to urge said retaining structureinto a retaining position for cooperating structure of the otherconnection structure.
 12. The snowshoe according to 11, said flotationplatform being adjustable in size to present a plurality of footprintsizes to snow.
 13. The snowshoe according to 11, said retainingstructure comprising a latch.
 14. The snowshoe according to 11, saidretaining structure comprising a stub axle.
 15. The snowshoe accordingto 11, said retaining structure comprising a trigger.
 16. The snowshoeaccording to 11, said retaining structure comprising a togglingmechanism.
 17. In a snowshoe in which a flotation platform includesdecking anchored to tubular side supports, the improvement whichcomprises: providing said flotation platform in segments, including: abinding segment having approximately parallel tubular side supports,being constructed and arranged to support a snowshoe binding andcarrying a first portion of a coupling mechanism; and at least oneextension member carrying structure configured to register with terminalends of said tubular side supports and carrying a second portion of acoupling mechanism; a retaining mechanism carried in combination byrespective flotation deck portions of said binding segment and saidextension segment; said retaining mechanism being operable to hold saidbinding segment and said extension segment in juxtaposed connectedcondition.